NASA plans to deorbit the ISS sometime around 2030. Building something the size of the ISS in orbit is a huge undertaking and NASA keeps talking about wanting to build new space stations or a moon base, so why not leave the ISS in space and reuse it rather than literally throw the whole thing away?
In: Planetary Science
Structures left in space can’t be left there infinitely, they will require repair/replacement to keep them safe, especially since part of the structure is designed to keep humans alive.
NASA does have plans to commercialize space stations, as part of its plan, one or more private companies will likely be the ones launching a new space station around the turn of the decade.
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